New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon out of lineup with 'fluttering eyes'

Michael Dwyer/Associated PressJohnny Damon reacts after dropping a fly ball hit by Boston's David Ortiz. Damon said his eyes "fluttered" and he could not see the ball.

NEW YORK -- Johnny Damon stood at his locker in the Yankees clubhouse confused and definitely concerned before Friday night's game against the Mets.

Damon was not in the Yankees' starting lineup because of what he described as "fluttering eyes," something he has been dealing with for the last two weeks. It's the same problem that led to his error in the fourth inning of Thursday's game in Boston when he dropped a fly ball hit by David Ortiz.

Damon said when the ball came near him, he felt like he almost passed out.

"It almost felt like I didn't know where I was for a second when it happened," Damon said. "The eyes fluttered and you think the ball is coming down to you right here and it's coming down to the right of you. So I don't know."

Damon wondered if the symptoms were connected to his concussion suffered in the 2003 playoffs while with Boston. He said he experienced neck pain and other symptoms related to the concussion until the 2007 season, but nothing since.

He was examined by a doctor after speaking to the media. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Thursday was the first time Damon brought the problem to the team's attention.

"I just want to make sure nothing is tied together [with the concussion] at all," Damon said. "Hopefully it's nothing. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this."

Damon said he has 20/10 vision and has never had eye problems in his life. That's what makes this whole thing even stranger, he said.

The 35-year-old outfielder said the eye problem had not affected his performance at the plate until last night. Damon is 6-for-31 (.194) in his last eight games with an on-base percentage of .286.

"But I had pitches to hit that I was just late on. There's no excuse why I stink at the plate."